Chapter 6

 

     If I thought the hours preceding the wedding were hectic, the hours following it were worse.  By the time Rick and I, A.J. and Janet, and the Fowler family had stood in line to receive all one hundred guests, the next one hundred were beginning to arrive.  Fortunately, the food and drink was ready and in place.  Friends and relatives drifted in and out of the kitchen and backyard, filling and refilling their plates and glasses.

 

     By three forty-five the band, who called themselves appropriately, Los Ocho Primos, or in English, The Eight Cousins, had arrived and were warming up out in front of my house.  Just as Rick had promised, at four o'clock they were ready to provide hours worth of nonstop entertainment. 

 

     I didn't see much of my youngest son or his new bride as the afternoon wore on.  While I was kept busy overseeing the running of the reception, A.J. and Janet were kept busy visiting with our guests. 

 

     I was finally able to catch my breath at six p.m.  I flagged the newlyweds down to tell them it was time to cut the cake and open some of the gifts. 

 

     I knew A.J. better than to think he'd derive any pleasure from smashing wedding cake in his bride's face.  That's more Rick's style.  Instead, A.J. placed his hand over Janet's on the knife, and together they cut a slice to share.  He picked up a piece with his fingers and carefully fed it to her, while she in turn did the same for him.   Then he kissed her.

 

     The gifts were stacked up on my patio.  Because A.J. and Janet had both kept independent households for many years now, the majority of gifts came in the form of cards with money inside.   I had already put those in a safe place in the house, as A.J. thought it was tacky to open such things in front of others. 

 

     Together the bridal couple opened the gifts that were left, sincerely thanking each and every giver for their thoughtfulness.  My wedding gift to my son and daughter-in-law was absent because of its size.  I had bought them a handmade Grandfather clock several weeks before the wedding.  It was due to be shipped to their new home when they arrived there after the honeymoon.  

 

     I thought the last of the gifts had been opened when Rick hurried into the house and returned bearing two large boxes identical in shape.  Everyone laughed when A.J. and Janet opened those boxes to find inside, matching winter trench coats and umbrellas.

 

     "Because you're moving to Seattle," Rick said in way of explanation.

 

     Janet hugged him.  "I will definitely say you found the things A.J. and I need the most, that no one else thought to give us."

 

     My oldest rushed back into the house, calling over his shoulder,  "And wait a sec, there's one more thing."

 

     In a short amount of time Rick returned carrying a Basset Hound puppy no more than eight weeks old.  A big white ribbon was tied around the little guy's neck.

 

     Rick held the puppy out to his brother.

 

     "What's this?"  A.J. asked.

 

     "This is Toby."  Rick thrust the puppy forward.  "Here, take him."

 

     A.J. reluctantly took the puppy from Rick.  I could tell he didn't want to hold the dog too close for fear the young animal would have an accident on his suit.

 

     The mournful little pup looked up at A.J.   "What am I supposed to do with him?"  My bewildered youngest questioned. 

 

     "What do you mean, what are you supposed to do with him?"  Rick asked, as if every bride and groom receive a puppy on their wedding day.  "You're supposed to take him to Seattle with you, that's what you're supposed to do with 'im."

 

     Janet had kept her thoughts regarding this particular wedding present to herself for as long as she could stand. 

 

     "Rick...on top of everything else, we certainly don't need a dog right now.  I wish you would have asked us first before you had gone out and bought--" she started to lecture sternly.  Her words were cut off by the look A.J. shot her.  He gave a small shake of his head.  I thought back to what Janet had told me earlier that morning, about how A.J. didn't want Rick's feelings hurt today of all days.

 

     "Well, see...I thought you guys could use some company, bein' so far away and all," Rick explained contritely.  "And you both like dogs.  And one of Carlos's cousins has to get rid of the puppies, so I thought maybe you'd want one.  I'll take care of 'im until you get back from your honeymoon.   But if you really don't want him, I suppose I could--"

 

     A.J. brought the puppy to his chest, holding him firmly. 

 

"No, no.  We want him."  He gave a meaningful look in Janet's direction.  "Don't we, babe?"

 

     There wasn't too much enthusiasm behind Janet's weak, "Sure.  Sure we do."

 

      Rick didn't seem to notice Janet's lack of desire for the newest member of her family.  His smile went from ear to ear. 

 

"That's great!  You guys are gonna love Toby.  I already taught him some tricks, too.  Come on, I'll show you."

 

     A.J., still carrying Toby, dutifully followed his brother off the patio and down onto the yard. 

 

     As she watched my sons from afar Janet grumbled, "I hope one of the tricks he taught that dog was how not to leave a mess on the carpeting." 

 

     I put an arm around her shoulders.  "Just remember that when Peter Pan tries your soul, what he's doing he's doing out of love."

 

       The small smile Janet gave me wasn't exactly overflowing with affection for her newly acquired brother-in-law. 

 

     She'll learn to deal with it, I thought to myself as she moved off to visit with some guests.  I certainly did when it came to Jack's wayward brother Ray.  At least Rick won't show up on her doorstep every couple months begging for money like Ray used to do before Jack died.  And she'll always be able to count on Rick to be there for her and A.J. if they ever need him.  He'll never let her down, the way Ray let the boys and me down after Jack's death.  Now if Janet wants to talk brother-in-laws, I can sure relay a story or two that will make Rick look like a saint.

 

     As I had known back when Janet and I had begun planning this wedding, the quiet affair she was wanting was not going to stay quiet for long.  By six-thirty that night the windows in my house were rattling as the band was in full volume playing every popular dance tune a person could name.  Those guests who weren't dancing were scattered from front yard to backyard, and everywhere else in-between.  Much to my surprise, the majority of the two hundred people didn't seem to be in a hurry to leave, but rather were intent on seeing the party to its end.  Which, if nothing else, this hostess took to be a sign of a successful afternoon and evening.  My seven o'clock cut off time for the reception came and went, and still my house overflowed with friends and relatives.  Children played soccer on my front lawn, while a lively game of Kick The Can ensued out back.  Little Toby ran from child to child, barking vigorously while nipping at their heels.

 

      Mama Maria's truck pulled up with its second delivery of the evening.  Piping hot pizzas were carried into my kitchen to join the other food.  Right behind that came a herd of stampeding  guests.

 

     A woman I didn't know filled her plate with pizza and ravioli, then approached me.  She juggled her load, shifting it to one hand so she could offer me her other. 

 

"You're Mrs. Simon, aren't you?"

 

     I smiled, assuming she was an acquaintance of Janet's or A.J.'s. 

 

"Yes.  I'm A.J.'s mother."

 

     "A.J.?"  The woman said with puzzlement.  "Who's A.J.?"

 

     "The groom," I provided helpfully.

 

     "Oh," the woman nodded.  "Rick's brother."

 

     "Yes."

 

     "Well, I'm your neighbor five houses down.  I don't believe we've met yet.  Sue Parkinson."

 

     I shook the woman's hand.  "I'm Cecilia Simon, Sue."

 

     "Your son, Rick, invited my husband, me, and our four children to join in the festivities this evening.  See the boys out there splashing in your fountain?"

 

     I looked out the patio doors to see four soaking wet red heads who ranged in age from about six to eleven, creating a tidal wave in my decorative fountain.  "Yes...I see them.  They're...darling."

 

     "They're a handful, that's for sure.  Anyway, you people really know how to throw a party.  Thanks for inviting us."

 

     I watched as she took her full plate back outside. 

 

"Sure...any time."

 

     I turned when I felt someone come up from behind and hug me around my waist.  I looked up into the groom's smiling face.

 

     "I seem to remember two little boys who would have gotten their bottoms tanned for playing in your fountain like that."

 

     I reached up and patted his cheek.  "I remember those two little boys, as well.  And you're right, they would have.  But leave it to your brother, honey.  He does have a way of making a party interesting to say the least."

 

     A.J. chuckled.  "There's no doubt about that, Mom."

 

     "Where's Janet?" 

 

     "Rick's got her outside dancing."

 

     We moved over to the kitchen window together, A.J.'s hands resting lightly on my shoulders.   If Janet wasn't having a good time dancing with her brother-in-law then she was doing an excellent job of hiding that fact.

 

     I looked up at A.J.  "Is she okay with this puppy business?"

     "Oh, yeah," he told me. "It's just going to take her a while to get used to Rick's...impulsive ways."

 

     For the first time all day I was alone with my youngest.  I hugged him around the waist.  "I'm going to miss you, A.J."             

     "I know, Mom," he rested his cheek against my hair. "I'm going to miss you, too."  He pulled me away from him, holding me at arms length so he could look me in the eye.  "But hey, it won't be that bad.  Janet and I want you and Rick to fly up for Thanksgiving. That's only two and a half months away.    And we'll fly home for Christmas."

 

     "You promise?"

 

     He smiled.  "Sure I do."

 

     Before we had a chance to say anymore Rick, minus suit coat and tie, walked in the house hand in hand with Janet.  They dropped their hands so Janet could take A.J.'s and Rick could take mine. 

 

     "Come on, you two," Rick urged while they pulled us to the door.    "We've been lookin' for you."

 

     "What for?"  A.J. wanted to know.

 

     Janet pulled him along.  "Just come on."

 

     They led us out into the street where they made us join the guests dancing to a lively set of old 60's rock and roll tunes. 

 

     When the music finally stopped, everyone was ready to sit down and catch their breath in the chairs that had been carried around from the backyard.  Before A.J. got a chance to get too far off the dance floor, so to speak, Janet yanked him back.

 

     "What?"  He questioned with a smile.

 

     With that the wedding soloist, Art, stepped up to one of the microphones.  "The bride has asked me to sing a very special song for her groom.  And those of you who know me well, know that I never turn down a request from a woman as lovely as Janet.  A.J., you're a very lucky man."

 

     Art took the microphone with him, mounted it in its stand, and sat down in front of his keyboard.  It didn't take Carlos's cousins long to pick up on what song he was playing.  A saxophone, trumpet, and trombone soon joined in as Art began to croon a classic made famous over thirty years ago by Nat King Cole.

    

"Unforgettable, that's what you are.

“Unforgettable, though near or far.

“Like a song of love that clings to me, how the thought of “you does things to me,

“Never before, has someone been more,

‘Unforgettable, in every way,

“And forever more, that's how you'll stay.

“That's why, darling, it's incredible, that someone so “unforgettable,

“Thinks that I am unforgettable, too."

 

 

     A.J. took Janet in his arms.  He slowly swept her 'round and 'round in time to the music, never taking his eyes from her face.

 

     I couldn't help it.  I leaned against Rick's chest and cried.  I thought back to what happened in January and how lucky we were to still have him with us.  How lucky we were to be celebrating this joyous occasion. 

 

     Rick must have sensed what I was feeling, because he didn't chide me for my tears.  He simply hugged me close while running a comforting hand up and down my arm as we watched the bride and groom dance.  My oldest didn't think I noticed him swipe at his own eyes.  I guess he was feeling the same way I was.

 

     It was ten o'clock and two pizza deliveries later when A.J. came in the house to tell me he and Janet were leaving.  I excused myself from the guests I'd been talking to and followed him outside. 

 

     The couple was spending their wedding night in the bridal suite of the ritziest hotel in LaJolla.  They had to catch an eight forty-five plane the next morning that would fly them to Miami.  From there, they were boarding a luxury liner for a ten day Caribbean cruise, something neither one had done before.  I wouldn't be seeing them again until they returned.   They were driving to Janet's condo the next morning so that Myron could take them to the airport.  This would allow him use of Janet's BMW since he and his family were going to spend the next four days vacationing in and around San Diego. 

 

     The BMW sat at the curb and was now decorated with balloons and signs that read, JUST MARRIED.   Off the back hung tin cans and an old pair of Rick's cowboy boots. 

 

     Janet's family took their turns at saying goodbye to the bride and groom before stepping off to the side to allow Rick and me to do the same. 

 

     I gave Janet a hug as we stood by the car.  "Thank you for making him so happy, honey."

 

     I was hugged in return and told, "I couldn't have asked for a better mother-in-law."

 

     I hugged A.J. while Rick hugged Janet.  "Have a good time, sweetheart, I said through my tears.  "Look after your new bride."

 

     He squeezed me tightly.  "I will, Mom."

 

     I moved away so Rick could say his goodbyes to his brother.  There was no hesitation on either one of their parts as they embraced.

 

     "Take care of yourself, little brother," came Rick's choked admonishment.  He couldn't resist teasing, "And make sure you get everything right tonight.  Don't disappoint your bride."

 

     A.J. laughed.  "Don't worry.  It's not this Simon brother who's noted for disappointing the ladies.  Take care of Toby for us until we get back."

 

     "I will," Rick promised as they broke apart.

 

     A crowd of us gathered on the sidewalk to wave goodbye.  A.J. held the car door open for Janet and helped her inside before walking around to the driver's side.   In mere seconds the engine came to life.  Amidst our goodbyes and good wishes, and the clatter of tin cans, they drove off into the night. 

 

     And the band played on.  Literally.

 

 

 

Chapter 7

 

 

                          

     Late Wednesday evening, September 19th, A.J. and Janet flew back into San Diego.  Even my fair complexioned youngest, who normally burns easier than he tans, came back bronze.  I hadn't seen his blond hair and eyebrows sun bleached white since he'd been a teenager. 

 

      Both the bride and groom appeared to be relaxed and well-rested, as a couple should be when returning from their honeymoon.  From the sounds of it they had a wonderful time.  I was glad. Ever since the Garcia case I felt A.J. deserved all the wonderful times that came his way. 

 

     Rick met their nine o'clock flight at the airport and brought them to my house.  By eleven, Rick was heading home while Janet and A.J. headed up to bed.  It had been a long day for them.  Myron had met their ship when it pulled into the Miami port at ten-thirty that morning.   They had lunch with him and visited on into the afternoon until it was time for them to catch their flight for California. 

 

     I went up to bed about a half hour after the newlyweds.  There was no light coming from underneath the guest room door, and no voices coming from within.   After the day of travel they'd had I came to the conclusion both were already fast asleep.

 

     It seemed strange, having my son and his wife sleeping in my guest room.   It only emphasized to me how rapidly our lives had changed.  San Diego was no longer A.J.'s home.  Seattle was.  From now on when he was in this house it would only be for a short visit of a few days, or a week if I were lucky.  I tried not to dwell on that as I got ready for bed.

 

     The next two days were gone before I knew it.  My youngest son and daughter-in-law were kept busy doing some last minute packing - Janet at her condo, A.J. at his house...make that Rick's house, as my oldest was in the process of moving into the home on the Grand Canal.  On Friday they supervised the packing of the large moving van.  They were planning to buy several pieces of new furniture when they got to Seattle, but were also taking combinations of things they each had that they wanted to use in their new home. 

 

     They took Rick and me out to dinner that Friday evening.  We all came back to my house for dessert and a few hands of cards.  We called it a night at ten o'clock as A.J. wanted to be on the road for Seattle at five the next morning.  His first class was due to start the following Tuesday.   Janet was to report for work on Wednesday.

 

     I heard the alarm go off in the guest room at four a.m.  Within just a few minutes the shower down the hall was turned on.  I rose as well and took my own shower, knowing I wouldn't go back to sleep after they left.

 

     Once dressed, I went down to the kitchen and started the coffee.  A.J. carried the suitcases out to the Camaro and BMW, then took Toby for a walk.  By the time he returned Janet was showered and dressed as well. 

 

     Her arms were laden with sheets, towels, and pillowcases when she came down the stairs.  "Should I go put these things in the washing machine for you, Cecilia?"

     "Honey, you didn't have to do all that.  I would have taken care of it after you'd left."

 

     She looked around the pile at me.  "Don't be silly.  Neither A.J. nor I want to make any extra work for you.  Now, should I put these things in the washing machine?"

 

     I opened the basement door that led off the kitchen and flicked on the light.  "If you insist.  Be careful going down the stairs.  The laundry soap is in the cabinet above the washer."

 

     "Okay!"  I heard as she descended.

 

     A.J. returned from upstairs where he'd been making the bed up with fresh sheets and hanging clean towels in the bathroom for me.  "Really," I scolded.  "You two are my guests.  I didn't expect you to do all these things before you left this morning.  I know you want to get an early start."

 

     A.J. laughed at me. He leaned down to kiss my cheek. 

 

"Since when are Cecilia Simon's sons guests in her home?  You always insist we pick up after ourselves."

 

     I hugged his waist.  "You're right. You'll never be a guest.  This will always be your home."

 

     He looked down at me with twinkling eyes.  "Then if I'm not a guest, I'd better do my fair share around here when I am home.  Right?"

 

     I smiled, squeezing him harder.  "Right."

 

     The couple wouldn't let me make them breakfast.  They each took one of the blueberry muffins I had sat out and drank a cup of coffee.  A.J said they'd stop for breakfast when they got an hour or so north of Los Angeles.

 

     Dawn was just starting to break when the three of us walked outside.  Dew blanketed the front lawn and the windshields of the cars.  Other than the paperboy riding past on his bike, the neighborhood was quiet. 

 

     A.J. put Toby in the Camaro while Janet hugged me goodbye.  I promised myself I wasn't going to cry when I hugged A.J.  It took every ounce of willpower I possessed, but somehow I managed not to.

 

     "Be careful driving.  Call me tonight when you get a motel room so I know where you're at."

 

     He held me tightly, hugging me back and promising, "We will."

 

     Suddenly, Thanksgiving seemed a long time away.

 

     Just as they were about to climb in their respective vehicles, Rick's truck pulled up to the curb.  We were all surprised.  We thought he'd said his final goodbyes the previous night, as he had a six-thirty charter going out on the Captain Gully that morning.   

 

     He got out of his truck and walked over to Janet.  He hugged her, saying something to her I couldn't hear.  I did hear her reply of, "I will, Rick.   You know that."

 

     It didn't take me long to figure out that he'd probably told her to take care of his little brother.

 

     He walked up to A.J. next.  The two of them almost seemed uncomfortable with one another, as if neither one really knew how to handle this goodbye that was proving to be the hardest one of all. 

 

     They verbally sparred with one another a moment.

 

     "Take care of my house," A.J. ordered.

 

     "Hey, it's my house now.  And man, do I have plans for it.  I was thinkin' of paintin' the kitchen bright orange."

 

     "Bright orange!"  My youngest exclaimed.  "Rick!"

 

     "Yeah.  And right above that whirlpool tub I'm gonna mount some mirrors like I have above the bed on my boat.  What do you think about that?" 

 

     A.J. wrinkled his nose with disgust.  "It'll look like a brothel."

 

     Rick couldn't help but laugh.  He reached out and snared his brother by the back of the neck, pulling him into a tight embrace.  "You take care of yourself, buddy."  I could barely hear the words he added.  "I'm gonna miss ya', kid."

 

     A.J. didn't make a reply, just tightened his already tight hold on his older brother.

 

     When they broke apart Rick gave A.J.'s blond hair a thorough tousling, just like he used to do when they were kids.  And just like when they were kids, A.J. scolded, "Rick!"  while smoothing his hair back into place.

 

     Janet got in her car and backed it out of the driveway.  She gave us a final wave before she proceeded down the street.  A.J. followed suit. Toby sat in his lap looking out the driver's side window as the car was backed out onto the road.   Rick and I tried awfully hard to smile as we waved to him.     

 

     When we could no longer see A.J., I was forced to reach up and wipe at the two tears that were running down my cheeks.

 

     Rick didn't say anything - he simply pulled me to his chest.  A few moments later he took me by the hand and led me into the house.  He made breakfast for us that morning, hanging around until he had no choice but to go back to the marina.

 

     It was funny.  After Rick left, the house seemed too quiet.  I chided myself for being such a silly old fool.  A.J. had been grown and gone from my house for twenty years now.  And yet, I was acting as though he was leaving home for the first time.

 

     But for some reason, that's how it felt.

 

 

 

Chapter 8

 

 

 

     A.J. and Janet floated along blissfully on a cloud of love that first year of marriage.  Their new home, new jobs, and new city, kept them endlessly occupied and entertained.

 

     A.J. became a full-time student upon their arrival in Seattle that fall of 1990.  At first I had concerns that it might be hard for him to adjust to a marriage where his wife was the sole breadwinner, but those concerns were unfounded.  Possibly if the situation had lasted longer than that fall and winter, problems would have arisen.  I don't know, and I guess I never will.  In May of 1991, A.J. passed the bar exam and immediately started working for the law firm of Bloomdecker, Hershaw, and Clark. 

 

     I was so proud of him.

 

     Janet had immediate successes at her own place of employment.  A.J. told me every city official was singing her praises. The newlyweds were soon invited to more parties and gala events than they had time to attend.

 

     What few free hours they had that first year were devoted to working together redecorating their new home.  They spent many a night and weekend painting and wallpapering.  When they weren't doing that, they were seeing the sights Seattle had to offer.   If not just the two of them, then with various sets of new friends they were making.  A.J. also took his bride on more than one weekend getaway ski trip to Crystal Mountain.  When summer came, they swam and sailed on one of Seattle's bays.

 

     Rick and I were extended an invitation for Thanksgiving as A.J. had promised we would be.  It was the first time either one of us had seen their new home. What a rambling old beauty it was.

 

     The streets leading into A.J.'s neighborhood were wide in the old-fashioned way they haven't made streets in fifty years now.   Each one was lined with sidewalks and hundred year old Oaks and Maples.  Sitting well back off the sidewalks was fastidiously kept Victorian home after Victorian home.  None sat on lawns that were less than half an acre of ground.  In today’s fast-paced world of instant cul de sacs and prefabricated housing, they just don't build neighborhoods like that any more.

 

     Our plane arrived early in the afternoon on that Wednesday before Thanksgiving.  Because Janet was working and A.J. had classes, Rick and I rented a car.  A.J. had sent me a key through the mail so we could let ourselves in. 

 

     We pulled up to the three story, pale yellow house with white ginger bread trim that A.J. had described to me over the phone.  I didn't even need to check the house number to make sure we were at the right place.  I spotted the porch swing that had been a wedding gift from Bud and Edie Krelman hanging on the wrap around veranda.   

 

     Rick gazed up at the house through the windshield.  "She's a beauty," he appraised with appreciation. 

 

     I took in the solid oak front door with its beveled glass window, as well as the bay windows that curved out from the living room and breakfast nook. 

 

     "She sure is," I agreed. 

 

      Rick and I weren't even out of the car when the front door opened.  Much to my surprise...and pleasure, there stood A.J.

 

     He was dressed in faded jeans, tennis shoes and an oversized navy cable knit sweater that I assumed Janet had recently purchased for him. 

 

He looks more like a college boy than the forty-one year old man he is, I thought fondly.

 

     He trotted down the steps and met me half way across the lawn. 

 

     I gave him a big hug. "Oh, honey, it's so good to see you.  But what are you doing home?"

 

     "My afternoon class was canceled because of the holiday.  I just got here a half hour ago.  I would have come and picked you guys up at the airport, but I knew I'd probably just missed you."

 

     Rick took his turn at hugging A.J.   "Looks like you're putting on some weight there, little brother," he teased while patting A.J.'s flat stomach.

 

     By weight, I knew Rick meant that A.J. was finally regaining some of what he had lost all those long months ago.  What he had put back on in February and early March per Joel's orders, had been lost again when the trial started.  Now he looked good, though still had five pounds to go before he was back to what was normal for him.

 

     "Yeah, well, that's what this life of leisure will do to a guy," A.J. teased back with an exaggerated stretch thrown in to boot.   "It's rough, having a wife who makes big bucks while I come and go as I please.  Actually, Rick, it's more the kind of life I would have imagined you having."

 

     That remark caused my children to scuffle playfully all the way to the house.

 

     Toby greeted us with barks and licks as we entered through the front door.  Rick got down on his knees and played with the stubby little fellow for a moment.  For the rest of our four day visit the pup was Rick's constant shadow.

 

     As much as I loved Janet and thought of her as a daughter, I have to admit I was glad she wasn't there that afternoon of our arrival.  I jealously enjoyed the few hours Rick and I had alone with A.J.  The first since before the wedding.

 

     He gave us a guided tour of the home that had previously belonged to a pediatrician, his neurosurgeon wife, and their three children.  In the wide front foyer with its polished hardwood floor sat the Grandfather clock I had given them for a wedding present.   Off to the left was the formal living room, to the right the large country kitchen and breakfast nook.  Down the hallway from the living room was a room of good size that had once been a bedroom.  Now Janet and A.J. used it as their home office.  I could tell A.J. had been studying before we arrived as papers and books were spread out on his roll-top desk.  The computer that sat near by was on as well.  I immediately took note of the old neon Simon and Simon sign hanging above A.J.'s desk that not too long before had hung in the boys' office window.

 

       Behind the kitchen was the formal dining room.  Rich, thick, colonial blue wall-to-wall carpet lined the floor.  A walnut table that sat eight and an enormous matching china cabinet had just been purchased and delivered the previous week.   French doors opened off the sumptuous room and shared a deck that ran the length of the back of the house with the family room.  The yard seemed to sprawl endlessly beyond. From the deck one had an uninhibited view of the snowcapped peaks of Mt. Rainier.

 

     A massive sunken family room, 24 x 30 in dimension, was also at the back of the house.   A stone fireplace dominated the far wall.  The comfortable family room, and garage that was attached to it, were the newest parts of this ninety-year-old home, having been added on in 1980. 

 

     The open, winding oak staircase that came down into the foyer led us up to the second floor and the four bedrooms and full bath it contained.  Each bedroom had a bay window with cushioned window seat.  Another short flight of stairs, six in all, led us up to what once had been an attic.  The former owners had converted it to a huge, exquisitely private master bed and bath complete with two walk-in closets and jacuzzi tub.   Two rounded windows that looked like medieval castle towers from the outside of the house stood in each corner of the room.  A beautiful view of the bay that was just down the street could be had from this vantage point.

 

     We followed A.J. from room to room, oohing and aahing.  Though he and Janet were just beginning to paint and wallpaper in the colors and patterns that suited them, I could tell that when they were done their house would be lovelier than any that's ever been featured in Better Homes and Gardens.   The country decor they were choosing in both their wallpaper patterns and furnishings only added to the home's appeal.

 

     Our last stop was the basement that had been converted into a family room/play room by some past owner or another.  A.J. and Janet were presently using it as a work-out room.  His weight machine, bench, bar bells, and punching bag were set up about the carpeted area.  Janet's stationary bicycle stood in one corner, her treadmill in the other.  To add to the convinces, a half bath with a shower stall was down there, too, as well as the laundry room.   Janet told me later the two of them worked out down there together every morning before she headed off to work and he to school.  I thought it was the perfect way for this handsome, athletic couple to start out the day.

 

     I could already hear the pitter patter of little feet on all those stairways.

 

     What a beautiful home and neighborhood in which to raise a family, I couldn't help but think.

 

Rick must have been thinking the same thing, because later that evening he teased Janet by asking her how quickly she and A.J. were going to start filling up all those bedrooms. 

 

     "I think you oughta' start out with a couple a' little boys who are just like me and A.J. were as kids," he told her over our after-dinner wine.  "Then add about four more to the picture.  After that you can start in on the girls."

 

     Janet visibly blanched at the thought of two little boys like Rick and A.J., plus an additional four.  Not to mention the girls. 

 

     A.J. laughed at his brother, telling him that when they were ready to start having a family they'd just start with one, thank you very much.

 

     Our visit couldn't have been any more enjoyable than it was.  Janet and I were up early the next morning, stuffing the turkey and making pie crusts.  The day was as it should have been, full of family, too much food, televised football games, a roaring fire in the fireplace, an afternoon stroll around the neighborhood, and lots of teasing and laughter over a Monopoly board later in the evening. 

 

     On Friday the couple showed us the many sights of Seattle - a beautiful Pacific northwestern port city that even my wandering Rick had never visited previously. 

 

     Saturday Janet and I spent the day together doing girl things, in other words shopping at a local mall and eating lunch out.  A.J. treated his brother to a college football game at the university campus.

 

     I enjoyed my time alone with Janet, just like I know A.J. and Rick enjoyed their time alone together.  Later that evening I treated everyone to dinner at a restaurant that was a new favorite of my son and his wife.

 

     All too soon our time with them drew to a close.  On Sunday A.J. and Janet took out us out for a leisurely brunch.  From there they followed us to the airport where we had to return our rental car before catching a two o'clock flight back to San Diego.   Hugs were exchanged all around at the boarding gate with promises of seeing them again at Christmas.

 

     Rick and I talked on the flight home of how good A.J. looked.  About how for the first time since January, he didn't look tired.  About how the weight he had regained had filled in the cheeks that had been too hollow for almost a year now.  About what a wonderful blessing Janet had been to his life.

 

 

Chapter 9

 

     A.J. and Janet flew down to San Diego on Christmas Eve morning that year.   They stayed until the 27th.  Early that afternoon they flew on to Miami to spend the rest of the holiday with Myron, returning to Seattle on New Year's Day, 1991.

 

     By the end of that year their home redecorating was completed.  They both seemed to be comfortably settled into their new jobs and city.       Rick and I saw them several times throughout the year.  I flew up by myself for a week's stay in mid-May.  Likewise, Rick drove up for a three day visit late that fall when business at Captain Gully's Excursions began to wind down somewhat for the season.  Like the previous year, we flew up there together for Thanksgiving, while A.J. and Janet flew down for Christmas.  Again, they stayed with me until the 27th, when they flew out to finish the holiday with Myron. 

 

     A.J. surprised Janet with a trip to Hawaii that September in celebration of their first anniversary.  When A.J. told me over the phone what he was doing for her, he added,  "I love her so much, Mom."

 

     That Thanksgiving, Janet in turn told me how much she loved him.  How happy this first year of marriage had been for both of them.  We were alone in the house on Friday, Rick and A.J. off together some place I can no longer recall.  

 

     Janet sat across the table from me sipping coffee.  "And the nightmares have stopped too, Cecilia."

 

     "The ones about Erika?"  I asked, though I really didn't need to.

 

     She nodded. "He hasn't had one in over four months now."

 

     "Thank God," I praised.

 

     "He finally seems to be putting it all behind him," she told me.  "Seems to be ready to lay it to rest for good."

 

     I reached over and squeezed her hand.  "And it's all because of you, sweetheart.  You've helped him heal in a way Rick and I couldn't."

 

     Her smile was as warm and loving as her country kitchen decorated in peach tones and deep greens.  "And he's helped me heal, too.  A.J.'s shown me what a good marriage is really all about.  I never realized how much was lacking in my relationship with Allan.  He and I didn't spend nearly the amount of time together A.J. and I do.  Didn't share nearly as many interests."

 

     "Time spent together is important," I agreed.  "Especially in this day and age of two career couples.  It seems as though everyone is so busy going off in their own directions.  A couple has to work hard at making a 90's marriage succeed."

 

     Janet didn't disagree with me.  "Yes, a couple does.  I know A.J. and I have...and will continue to, for that matter."

 

     My smile was as warm as hers.  "I know you will, honey."

          

_____________________

 

         

 

     While all these successes were coming A.J. and Janet's way, successes were flowing down Rick's river as well.  Because of Simon and Simons' many contacts, Captain Gully's Excursions started off with a bang.  Jack and I had always said you could put Rick in a room full of one hundred strangers and in five minutes time, he would have made one hundred friends.  My oldest possessed a natural curiosity that led him to question people about themselves, their families, and their work.  A good trait for any self-employed charter boat captain to have. After all, who doesn't like talking about themselves?

 

     Captain Gully was open for business six days a week, Tuesday through Sunday.  Rick put in some extremely long hours the fall of 1990.  Before the season ended he had hired Nate Garcia, who was still in college, to work for him on the weekends.  When business began to pick up again in the spring of '91, Rick hired two retired men to work part-time for him as well.  They were best friends, and he often saw them fishing together at the marina.  When he discovered they were both quite knowledgeable and passionate about boats, he knew he'd found the rest of the Captain Gully crew.  I pitched in and went to his office two or three mornings a week where I filed, answered the phone, and did his book work for him.  All jobs Rick loathed.  The only payment I demanded in return was occasional help around my house, and a nice dinner out every month or so.   

 

     Just like I was proud of A.J. for tackling and mastering his new career, I was very proud of my Captain Gully as well.

 

     I'll readily admit, however, the one thing that had concerned me about Rick's new business venture was how he was going to make ends meet during the lull in the season that ran on and off from Thanksgiving through February.  Especially with having purchased A.J.'s house.  When I mentioned it to him, all Rick had said was, "Don't worry about it, Mom.  I'll take care of myself like I always have."

 

     It only took me a short amount of time that winter to figure out just how he was taking care of himself. Though Simon and Simon Investigations had only been closed down three months, the lone Simon brother who remained in San Diego was inundated with requests from former clients to do this job or that.  Rick tried to hide from me the fact that he was doing P.I. work again...and by himself.   When Rex stayed with me one too many nights that winter, I came to my own conclusions about what was going on.  When I confronted him with my many concerns, he dismissed them with a shrug.

 

"Nothing will happen, Mom.  Nothing that I'm doing is dangerous."

 

     Of course, I didn't believe him for one minute, and didn't hesitate to tell him so.  Not that it did me any good.

 

     "Do you miss being a private investigator that much, Rick?"  I had to know.

 

     "I guess I do," he admitted.  "A little bit if nothing else."  He quickly added, "But it's not the same without A.J.  Something...something real special is gone from the work now."

 

     And thus said, we moved along through 1991 and into 1992.  Again, Janet and A.J. continued to thrive as a happy, upwardly mobile yuppie couple, as Rick jokingly referred to them.  Once again I visited them without Rick along for a week in the spring of '92.  And once again, Rick went up for a visit of his own for a few days in the fall.  I got the impression from both Rick and Janet that they'd gotten into a fight over something during that brief stay, but what exactly it was about I still don't know.  I do know A.J. was at work at the time.  I think he eventually came to the conclusion that some type of harsh words were exchanged between his brother and wife, because that was the last time Rick visited them without me along.  Obviously, it was easier for Rick and Janet not to cross paths if she and I were off doing things together, while Rick and A.J. were off doing the same.

 

     Like he had the previous year for their first anniversary, A.J. surprised his wife with a trip away for their second one.  They flew out to the east c